Definition: His lord answered and said unto him, [Thou] wicked and slothful servant, thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not, and gather where I have not strawed:
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 25:26. It’s a really important one about love and responsibility. Here's the explanation in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse is saying that God really cares about how we treat those who are serving Him. It’s not just about being polite; it’s about showing genuine care and dedication to others. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “His lord answered…” : This refers to Jesus, the King of Heaven. He's talking about a person who is serving God. “…and said unto him…” : Jesus is speaking directly to you . “[Thou] wicked and slothful servant…” : This is where it gets interesting. “Servant” in this context means someone who works for God, follows His teachings, and cares about others. “Wicked” and “slothful” are negative descriptions – they’re not being helpful or diligent. “…thou knewest that I reap where I sowed not…” : This is the core of the verse. Jesus is saying: "You know that I am giving you a task, but you're not doing it well. You're not working hard enough; you’re letting things fall apart." It means God is using your time and effort to achieve His plans. He’s setting up opportunities for good to happen. “…and gather where I have not strawed:” : This is a bit more figurative. "Strawed" means neglected or left unattended – like a field that isn't cared for. Jesus is saying, “I don’t want you to let my work fall into disarray.” He wants you to be diligent and responsible in your service. So, what does it mean for us ? It means we should: Be Responsible: We need to care about others and fulfill our duties to God and the world. Work Hard & Diligently: We shouldn't just be passive; we need to put in effort and make a difference. Don’t Let Things Fall Apart: We should avoid neglecting or letting go of opportunities that are important for God's purpose. In short, this verse is a reminder that God values those who serve Him and wants us to be good stewards of His gifts and resources. --- Resources if you want to learn more: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV/Matthew%2025:26](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/ESV/Matthew%2025:26) GotQuestions.org: [https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-25-26.html](https://www.gotquestions.org/Matthew-25-26.html) Do you want me to explain any of these parts in more detail, or perhaps discuss the significance of this verse within a larger context of the Bible?